Shamed

Shamed: A Kate Burkholder Novel (Book 11)  by Linda Castillo. New York: Minotaur Books, 2019. 304 pages. **** Available July 16, 2019.

In this newest Castillo novel, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is drawn into solving a murder and child kidnapping within an Amish community. While collecting walnuts with her two granddaughters at the abandoned Schattenbaum farm, Mary Yoder is stabbed to death and one of her granddaughters is kidnapped. Kate interviews the granddaughter who witnessed her sister being dragged from the farm and all she can get out of her is that it was "Da Deivel." The devil. With the clock ticking and no suspects, Kate soon learns that the isolated Old Order Amish Community has many secrets to hide. Kate discovers that the child taken has special needs and has been diagnosed with Cohen Syndrome. Based on something her sibling lets slip, Kate begins to suspect that this family of 8 children is not what it seems. What are the community and family hiding and will Kate be able to get the answers that she needs to find Elsie and return her to her family?

I have read all of the other Kate Burkholder books and eagerly began this one. The story drew me in from the very beginning and did not disappoint. Castillo is gifted at setting up the story and letting it unfold. The murder and kidnapping seem unrelated to other events occurring in the Amish community until Kate makes the connection and reveals past crimes. A fast-paced, suspenseful glimpse into Amish life and into the mind of a violent killer. No spoilers here, you'll have to read it yourself to discover if Elsie is found safe.

I received an ecopy to review.

Originally from Ohio where her Amish thrillers are set, Linda Castillo knew from an early age that she wanted to be a writer--and penned her first novel at the age of thirteen.  She's published thirty books for three New York publishing houses and won numerous industry awards, including a nomination by the International Thriller Writers for Best Hardcover, the Golden Heart, the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and a nomination for the prestigious Rita.
In her spare time, Linda enjoys trail riding, and dabbles in barrel racing.  She resides in Texas with her husband, two rescued Blue Heelers, and two Appaloosa horses.  She's currently at work on her next novel, a thriller set in Amish Country and featuring Chief of Police Kate Burkholder.

Visit her website https://www.lindacastillo.com, contact her at books@lindacastillo.com.

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